You may be surprised to learn that scientists are finally beginning to connect the dots between chemotherapy and cognitive dysfunction. Read about advances at the University of Rochester, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Indiana University and other institutions.

For those of us who have traveled through cancer or are experiencing it now, how does sharing our stories help us find our way? The answer lies in validating each other's thoughts and feelings so that no one feels isolated. The answer lies in connection, in community.

My favorite story submitted by a reader is from Lori. Find it in the LABELS index under "I Appreciate Your Book." The first line of her note to us is what made the two years it took to write our book all worth it. She begins: "I would like to tell you how much I appreciate your book - I bought it yesterday, read it all night, with a highlighter, crying...."

If you read all twenty stories, you'll come away with a pretty good idea of the toll "chemo brain" takes on cancer survivors and their families. Michelle writes about trying to be loving and patient with her husband who went through chemo for Hodgkin's and is now chronically forgetful. Susan M. tells us about her breast cancer diagnosis at age 38 and how she is still dealing with fog and depression. Lois wonders if she has Alzheimer's. Bruce Lantrywas treated for leukemia. He has found ways to cope with his loss of mental focus.

Yet, these really are so much more than stories. These are messages. They are here, on this blog, from men and women of all ages and all cancer types. They are here to confirm that each of us matters.

Also, make use of the SEARCH BOX at the top right of the page. Put in keywords like lymphoma or breast cancer or memory ormultitasking or driving, or word retrieval, or exercise, and see what articles and resources come up.

Casey, the number of researchers taking treatment-related cognitive impairment seriously is growing, but bottom line, there is nothing concrete yet that fixes -- or even better -- prevents chemo brain.

It may make you feel better to know that there's a group called, "The International Cognition and Cancer Task Force" that convenes periodically to review the latest science in the field. The ICCTF is made up of neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, and imaging and other experts from medical/research institutions all over the world.

Next year, ICCTF will meet in Paris. Here's the link: http://www.icctf.com/index.php?4

Hi, I see that your sign-in name is "Disability Help." I would like to learn more about what you do. Would you mind sending me your email address so that I can reach you? I'm at IdelleDavidson@gmail.com.